Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VOLUNTEERING
Thailand is still technically a developing country, lacking a tight-knit social safety net, an executed environmental pro-
tection program and equal labour protections. There are a myriad volunteering organisations in Thailand but be aware
that so-called 'voluntourism' has become a big business and that not every organisation fulfils its promise of meaningful
experiences. Before committing, do your homework on the tour organiser and the volunteer facility.
Environmental & Animal Welfare Work
At centres and sanctuaries that rely on volunteer labour, your hard work is often rewarded with meaningful interactions
with the animals. There are also smaller organisations listed in the On the Road chapters.
Starfish Ventures
(
www.starfishvolunteers.com
)
Places volunteers in conservation, teaching and animal welfare pro-
grams throughout Thailand.
Wild Animal Rescue Foundation
(WARF;
www.warthai.org
) Operates the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre and a
conservation education centre in Ranong Province on the Andaman coast. Job placements include assisting with the
daily care of gibbons that are being rehabilitated for life in the wild or counting and monitoring sea-turtle nests.
Wildlife Friends of Thailand Rescue Centre
(
www.wfft.org
;
Phetchaburi) Puts volunteers to work caring for sun bears,
macaques and gibbons at its animal rescue centre.
Humanitarian & Educational Work
Organisations require varying time commitments but in order to be an effective volunteer, you should dedicate at least a
month to the program.
The following grassroots organisations are worth investigating.
Andaman Discoveries
( 08 7917 7165;
www.andamandiscoveries.com
;
Phang-Nga) Manages a learning centre for
children of migrants from Myanmar, an orphanage and a school for disabled children in southern Thailand.
Isara
( 0 4246 0827;
www.isara.org
)
Places teachers in underprivileged schools around Thailand; one of the few vo-
lunteer programs that is free and placements include housing and some meals.
Open Mind Projects
( 08 7233 5734;
www.openmindprojects.org
)
Offers volunteer positions in IT, health care, edu-
cation and community-based ecotourism throughout Thailand.
Volunthai
(
www.volunthai.com
)
A family-run operation that places volunteers in teaching positions at rural schools
with homestay accommodation.
